Peter Marshall (entertainer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Marshall
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Marshall in 1965
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| Born |
Ralph Pierre LaCock
March 30, 1926 |
| Died | August 15, 2024 (aged 98) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1950–2021 |
| Known for | Original host of Hollywood Squares (1966–1981) |
| Spouse(s) |
Nadene R. Teaford
(m. 1947; div. 1973)Sally Carter-Ihnat
(m. 1977; div. 1983)Laurie Stewart
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 4, including Pete LaCock |
| Relatives | Joanne Dru (sister) |
Ralph Pierre LaCock (born March 30, 1926 – died August 15, 2024) was an American TV host, singer, and actor. He was much better known by his stage name, Peter Marshall. He became famous as the first host of the popular game show The Hollywood Squares. He hosted the show for 15 years, from 1966 to 1981. Peter Marshall also appeared in many movies and Broadway shows during his long career.
He got his stage name from a talent agent named John Robert Powers. Powers had suggested the last name "Marshall" for Peter's sister. Peter liked it and decided to use it too. He then combined it with a changed version of his middle name, Pierre, to create "Peter Marshall".
Contents
Early Life and Army Service
Peter Marshall was born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926. His parents, Ralph and Jean LaCock, were involved in show business. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. When he was ten, his father passed away. Peter then moved to New York City to live with his mother, who designed costumes for shows.
After finishing high school, Peter joined the Army in 1944 during World War II. He was sent to Italy. He started in the artillery but soon became a disc jockey at a radio station in Naples. He left the Army in 1946 as a staff sergeant. His older sister, Joan, became a famous actress named Joanne Dru. She starred in movies like Red River.
A Career in Entertainment
Starting Out in Comedy
In the 1950s, Peter Marshall worked as part of a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan. They performed in night clubs and on TV variety shows. They also appeared in a few movies together. These films included Starlift (1951) and The Rookie (1959).
Marshall also made guest appearances on TV shows. In 1963, he was on The Lucy Show. He played Lucy's brother-in-law, Hughie, in an episode.
Hosting The Hollywood Squares
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Even though Peter Marshall worked in movies and TV, he didn't have a steady job for a while. Then, his friend Morey Amsterdam suggested him for a new game show. The show was The Hollywood Squares. Marshall became its first host in 1966.
He didn't really want the job at first. He thought he would only host for a short time and then go back to Broadway. But he ended up hosting the show for 15 years! He hosted over 5,000 episodes. The Hollywood Squares became very popular. It was canceled in 1980, but new episodes continued to be shown until 1981.
Other Television Work
After The Hollywood Squares ended, Marshall continued to work in television. He hosted other game shows and played different characters. He hosted his own music and comedy show, The Peter Marshall Variety Show, in 1976–1977.
He appeared on game shows like Fantasy (1982) and All-Star Blitz (1985). In 2002, he returned to a new version of The Hollywood Squares. He was a panelist and even hosted for one day.
Other Projects and Appearances
Peter Marshall also had a popular radio show for over 15 years. It was on the Music of Your Life radio network. He also appeared in infomercials for music collections.
In 1979, he sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the famous Indianapolis 500 car race. That same year, he had a role on the TV show The Love Boat. In 1982, he played a small part in the movie Annie. He was the radio announcer Bert Healy.
In 2002, Marshall wrote a book about his experiences called Backstage With The Original Hollywood Square. He also hosted a TV special about the Big Band music era. In 2010, he appeared on The Newlywed Game with his wife. In 2014, he hosted a special version of The Hollywood Squares in West Virginia. It was called The West Virginia Squares. Marshall retired from entertainment in 2021.
Theater Performances
Peter Marshall also had a successful career on Broadway. He performed in musicals like Skyscraper and La Cage aux Folles. In 1962, he starred in the musical Bye Bye Birdie in London. He played the main character, Albert Peterson. The show was a satire about American pop culture in the 1950s.
Personal Life
Peter Marshall married his third wife, Laurie Stewart, in 1989. He had four children and two stepchildren from his earlier marriages. His son, Pete LaCock, was a professional baseball player. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.
In January 2021, Marshall became ill with COVID-19. He recovered at home with special care. Peter Marshall passed away on August 15, 2024, at the age of 98. He died from kidney failure.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Marshall won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host four times. This award is given to the best game show hosts. In 2006, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Show Congress. In 2007, he was one of the first people to be inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame.
In November 2013, Marshall was honored in his home state. He was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
Selected Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | The 49th Man | Leo Wayne | |
| 1959 | The Rookie | MSgt. Pete Marshall | |
| 1961 | Swingin' Along | Duke | |
| 1964 | Ensign Pulver | Carney | |
| The Cavern | Lt. Peter Carter | ||
| 1974 | Happy Anniversary and Goodbye | Greg Carter | |
| 1982 | Annie | Bert Healy |
Images for kids
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Marshall in 1965
See also
In Spanish: Peter Marshall para niños
